Fitness and Exercise

Starting an exercise program can be especially intimidating but the benefits of exercise are clear, however and there are ways to get started.

A National Institutes of Health survey of 13 studies concludes that physical activity ...

Results in modest weight loss in overweight and obese individuals

Increases cardiovascular fitness, even when there is no weight loss can help maintain weight loss

New theories focusing on the body's set point (the weight range that your body is programmed to weigh and will fight to maintain) highlight the importance of exercise.

When you reduce the number of calories you consume, the body simply reacts by slowing metabolism to burn fewer calories. Daily physical activity can help speed up your metabolism, effectively bringing your set point down to a lower natural weight. So when following a diet to attempt to lose weight, exercise increases your chances of long-term success.

Easy exercises you can start today:

Park at the far end of parking lots and walk

Take the stairs instead of the elevator

Cut down on television or walk or move during TV time

Swim or participate in low-impact water aerobics

Ride an exercise bike

Overall, walking is one of the best forms of exercise. Start out slow and build up. Incorporating exercise into daily activities will improve your overall health and is important for any long-term weight management program, including weight loss surgery. Diet and behavior modification also plays a key role in successful weight loss.

Banner Health's Physician Referral Services can provide you with information on physicians who practice at Banner hospitals specializing in nutrition. You may access this information by calling (602) 230-2273 or 1-800-230-CARE and pressing option #1 (Monday - Friday between 8:00AM and 4:30PM) to speak with a physician referral representative.